Myth #7: I Don't Need My Benefits as long as I Have a Job, but if I Have to Stop Working, I Won't Be Able to Get My Benefits Back

I’m working right now and am doing pretty well. However, my disability gets worse sometimes and I’m afraid that I won’t be able to get on SSI or SSDI if I need them because they’ll say that because I was working, I’m not disabled anymore.If you are not able to continue working, or if you need to work fewer hours, you might be worried about having to go through the long process of applying for benefits again. Luckily, there are some helpful rules that allow your benefits to be restarted without your needing to reapply for benefits.

SSI

If you are on the SSI 1619(b) program and your income drops below a certain level, you will be eligible for SSI benefits again without needing to reapply. For information on this, talk to a Work Incentive Consultant.

Once you are no longer eligible for SSI or 1619(b), you may be eligible for Expedited Reinstatement (EXR). If your SSI benefits stopped because of your earnings from work, and you were eligible for SSI within the last five years, you can use EXR to begin getting SSI benefits again. For more information, click here.

SSDI

Once again, the Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE) can help you here. The EPE begins the first month after your Trial Work Period ends and it will continue for 36 months (or three years) in a row. During this time, if you earn less than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) level, you will get your SSDI benefits that month. If you earn more than the SGA level, you will not get SSDI benefits. No new application is required to get your SSDI benefits if your earnings are less than the SGA level. For more information, read DB101's SSDI and Work page.

You may also be eligible for Expedited Reinstatement (EXR). If your Social Security benefits stop because of your earnings, you can use EXR to get your SSDI benefits restarted, if you stopped working within five years of the time your benefits ended. To learn more, click here.

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Glossary

A rule that lets people who stop getting Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits due to work income keep their AHCCCS health coverage while earning up to $36,315 per year. 1619(b) also makes it easier to get SSI benefits started up again if your countable income goes below SSI's income limit. For 1619(b), you must continue to meet other SSI eligibility rules, such as the resource limit.

Note: If your earnings are over this limit and you have high medical expenses, you might still qualify for 1619(b). Ask your local Social Security office about the 1619(b) Individualized Earnings Threshold.

A report that summarizes your current Social Security disability benefits and available work incentives. To order one, visit your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213 (voice); 1-800-325-0778 (TTY). Be sure to review your BPQY carefully. If you have questions about it, contact a Work Incentive Consultant or Social Security.

Tip: The BPQY is form number SSA-2459. If a Social Security Claims Representative does not know what a BPQY is, mention the form number.

Documented expenses for services or items that are related to a serious medical condition or impairment and needed in order to work. Wheelchairs, physician visits, copayments for prescriptions, and other medical expenses are some examples of IRWEs. The expenses must be verified by original receipts and canceled checks and approved by Social Security.

A Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program that allows you to set aside income and assets for expenses related to a specific work goal. Income that you use for these expenses will not cause your SSI benefits to go down. Assets that you spend on PASS expenses won't count towards the SSI limit.

A state agency that helps people with disabilities prepare for, find, and keep jobs that are consistent with their skills, strengths, and interests. Arizona's Vocational Rehabilitation agency is called the Arizona Rehabilitation Services.